Computer-aided detection for virtual colonoscopy

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the developed countries. Most colon cancers can be prevented if precursor colon polyps are detected and removed. Virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, has shown promise to be the future screening tool for polyp detection, with a number of studies performed at academic institutions showing high sensitivity and specificity. Two main factors limiting CT colonography in general use are its excessive interpretation time and the variable sensitivity among readers. This article discusses the potential of computer-aided detection to address these problems. We also review the current state of research in this field and the future roles and challenges of CAD for CT colonography.